Lady Aimee Daventry is not like her two elder sisters. She is plain and shy and retiring as a result of witnessing her mother’s murder when she was nine. She has only fallen in love once, but that experience has convinced her that she will never marry and have a family.

Royce, Lord Stonehurst is a troubled man. His past and his experiences on the battlefield have made him bitter and determined never to let anyone get close to him.

Lady Elise Daventry’s murder nine years ago was the scandal of the town. The former actress turned marchioness’ flirtations were legendary and for years an innocent man was suspected. Once the real murderer confessed, the Daventrys thought that the issue was finished, but Aimee is starting to remember the details from that night and someone would rather have her dead than have the details come out.

This story combines a fine and sensual historical romance with a really good murder mystery. Aimee and Royce are both troubled characters with no real idea of their self worth. Royce’s father and Aimee’s Aunt Olivia have belittled them constantly during their growing years. The author has created great characters and an intriguing plot. Both the mystery and the love story held my attention. Aimee is a great character, definitely not the mouse she is called by her family. Quiet and studious, she is not as flamboyant as her sisters, but holds her own. That determination is what attracts and in the end holds Royce. The settings of London and a remote Cornwall estate are both very well described and the other characters are very vivid. I particularly liked the twin nephews and of course Lady Theodosia. The villain was a big surprise, leading to a very satisfactory ending.

Maura
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books